〜れる/られる (potential)
can ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜れる/られる (potential)” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜れる/られる (potential)」 means "can ~". Structure: Verb potential form. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At home
Example 1この部屋で故障が見られます。
この へや で こしょう が みられます。
kono heya de koshou ga miraremasu.
You can see the breakdown in this room.
At home
Example 2この部屋でお釣りが見られます。
この へや で おつり が みられます。
kono heya de otsuri ga miraremasu.
You can see the change (money) in this room.
At home
Example 3この部屋で畳が見られます。
この へや で たたみ が みられます。
kono heya de tatami ga miraremasu.
You can see the tatami mat in this room.
At home
Example 4この部屋で紙が見られます。
この へや で かみ が みられます。
kono heya de kami ga miraremasu.
You can see the paper in this room.
At home
Example 5この部屋で草が見られます。
この へや で くさ が みられます。
kono heya de kusa ga miraremasu.
You can see the grass in this room.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
You can see the breakdown in this room.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜れる/られる (potential).
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.